Multi-purpose display, carrier, and storage device for toys

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose display, carrier, and storage device for toys includes (a) velcro attachment points for attaching multiple smaller toys; (b) arms adapted in length to encircle, or hug, the multiple smaller toys after they have been attached at the velcro attachment points; (c) a zippered pocket of sufficient size to hold crayons; (d) straps on the back of the device, adapted for using the device as a kid&#39;s back pack, or for hanging the device on a wall hook, bedpost, door knob, or back of a car seat headrest; (e) buttons in each hand of the device, with associated electronics inside the device, for recording and playing sounds and music; and (f) one long strap attached at either end to the device, adapted to be used to slide the back of the device over and down the carrying handle of a child&#39;s roller-bag carry-on baggage for an airline flight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/517,842, filed Apr. 27, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for organizing, storing, and carrying toys, particularly stuffed animal toys.

2. Description of Related Art

Various devices, such as boxes, cartons, etc. exist for storing children's toys. However, these hide the toys from view of the child. Also, many of the devices are too heavy for a child to carry. Also, many of the devices do not allow the child to easily carry the toys on board an airplane.

Although there are many designs for devices for organizing, storing, and carrying toys, considerable shortcomings remain. What is needed is a device that is light enough for a child to carry, that allows display of the toys while the toys are stored, and is adaptable for use with a child's carry-on luggage for airline flights.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a multi-purpose display, carrier, and storage device for toys, comprising:

-   -   (a) velcro attachment points for attaching multiple smaller         toys;     -   (b) arms that are adapted in length to encircle, or hug, the         multiple smaller toys after they have been attached at the         velcro attachment points;     -   (c) a zippered pocket of sufficient size to hold crayons;     -   (d) straps on the back of the device, adapted for using the         device as a kid's back pack, or for hanging the device on a wall         hook, bedpost, door knob, or back of a car seat headrest;     -   (e) buttons in each hand of the device, with associated         electronics inside the device, for recording and playing sounds         and music; and     -   (f) one long strap attached at either end to the device, with a         velcro point midway along the strap that is adapted to connect         to a velcro attachment point on the device, such strap adapted         to be used to slide the back of the device over and down the         carrying handle of a child's roller-bag carry-on baggage for an         airline flight.

In another embodiment, the display and storage device is a “circus tent” that is hung on a wall, and to which stuffed animals are attached and displayed. In yet another embodiment, a larger “action figure” serves to display, store, and carry a smaller “action figure”, wherein the larger “action” figure is either a model of a person, or a model of a vehicle.

Additional objectives, features, and advantages will be apparent in the written description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features, which characteristic of the invention, are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which the left-most significant digit(s) in the reference numerals denote(s) the first figure in which the respective reference numerals appear.

FIG. 1 depicts the front of a multi-purpose carrier and storage device for toys in the form of a teddy bear.

FIG. 2 depicts the back of the multi-purpose carrier and storage device.

FIG. 3 depicts the front of the multi-purpose carrier and storage device, holding a child's stuffed animals.

FIG. 4 depicts the front of the multi-purpose carrier and storage device, holding a child's stuffed animals, with the arms encircling the stuffed animals, showing the clasp that holds the arms securely in place.

FIG. 5 depicts the front of the multi-purpose carrier and storage device, holding a child's stuffed animals, with the arms encircling the stuffed animals, not showing the clasp that holds the arms securely in place, because velcro on the hands allow the hands to cover the clasp.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing a toy vehicle used to display, store, and carry an action figure.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing a larger action figure used to display, store, and carry a smaller action figure.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing a wall hanging used to display and store stuffed animals.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, the multi-purpose carrier and storage device for toys 101 is in the form of a stuffed animal, specifically, a teddy bear. The front of the device 101 is shown, and includes two holding straps 103, 105, for holding smaller stuffed animals. The ends 107 a, 107 b of the strap 103, and the ends 109 a, 109 b of the strap 105, use Velcro for attaching to themselves. The front side of each hand 111 has a button 113 that is used to start and stop associated electronics inside the device 101, for recording and playing sounds and music, and for activating movement of the device 101.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the back of the device 101 is shown, and includes two adjustable carrying straps 201, 203 that are used for using the device 101 as a child's back pack, or for hanging the device 101 on a wall hook, a bedpost, a door knob, or the back side of a car seat headrest. A strap 205 is similar to the straps 103, 105, and is adapted for hanging the device on a post of a bed, or on a hook on a wall. In the preferred embodiment, the strap 205 is on the back of the device, but could also be located on the backside of the head of the teddy bear. A zipper 207 opens a concealed pocket, shown in dashed lines, on the back of the device, that is used by the child for storing crayons, etc. A long strap 209 has a Velcro attachment point 211, not seen from the back, and thus shown in dashed lines, that attaches and releases from the back of the device 101. This allows the child to release the strap 209 from the device 101 at the attachment point 211, and thus slide the back of the device 101 over and down the carrying handle of a child's roller-bag carry-on baggage for an airline flight. Close to the backside of each hand 111 are a male 213 a and female 213 b part of a clasp, for securely connecting the arms of the device 101. The backside of each hand 111 contains Velcro patches 215, for connecting the hands 111 so that the clasp 213 is not displayed when the arms of the device 101 encircle attached smaller stuffed animals, as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the front of the device 101 is shown with the straps 103, 105 holding a child's collection of smaller stuffed animals 301 against the device 101. In alternate embodiments, elastic bands 605, shown in FIG. 6, or even common string, is used in place of, or in addition to, the straps 103, 105.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the front of the device 101 is shown with the two parts of the clasp 213 a, 213 b connected.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the front of the device 101 is shown with the two parts of the clasp 213 a, 213 b connected, but not visible, because the two hands 111 are touching, using the velcro pads 215 on their backs, and thus the clasp 213 is hidden.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the invention, a toy vehicle 601, is used to display, store, and carry an action FIG. 603, using small elastic bands 605. In alternate embodiments, the small elastic bands 605 are also added to the device 101. In still other alternate embodiments, the vehicle 601 is a remote-controlled car, truck, boat, or train. In still other alternate embodiments, smaller versions of the Velcro straps 103, 105 are used in addition to, or in place of, the elastic bands 605. In still other alternate embodiments, ordinary string or dental floss is used in place of the elastic bands 605. Regardless of whether the remote-controlled vehicle 601 is in a play, pause, or display/stationary mode, the child can still have the action FIG. 603 attached to the toy vehicle 601.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment of the invention, a large action FIG. 701, is used to display, store, and carry a smaller action FIG. 703, using small elastic bands 605.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of the invention, a two-part wall hanging 801, has a first outer part 803 that is in the general shape of a circus tent, including curtains 805 that open and close. A second inner part 807 simulates in appearance the back wall of a circus tent, and contains multiple elastic bands 605 for displaying and storing action FIGS. 703. The outer part 803 is not connected to the inner part 807. Rather, the two parts 803, 807 merely hang together on a wall hook, not shown. In use, the user usually leaves the outer part 803 hanging on the wall, and, when wanting to add or subtract toys from the wall hanging 801, merely takes off the wall the inner part 807. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic bands 605 are replaced with velcro straps 103, and are used to display and store stuffed animals 301.

In yet another alternate embodiment, a multi-purpose display and storage device for toys comprises a stuffed animal in the general shape of a pony, and further comprises: (a) velcro attachment points for attaching multiple smaller stuffed animals; (b) buttons on the device, with associated electronics inside the device, for recording and playing sounds and music; and (c) two straps on the back of the device, adapted for hanging the device on a hook or bedpost. The length of the device is approximately equal to the width of a standard twin bed.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below. Although the present invention is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications. 

1. A multi-purpose display, carrier, and storage device for toys, comprising: a. velcro attachments for encircling and attaching multiple smaller toys; b. arms that are adapted in length to encircle, or hug, the multiple smaller toys after they have been attached at the velcro attachment points; c. a zippered pocket of sufficient size to hold crayons; d. short straps on the back of the device, adapted for using the device as a kid's back pack, or for hanging the device on a wall hook, bedpost, door knob, or back of a car seat headrest; e. buttons in each hand of the device, with associated electronics inside the device, for recording and playing sounds and music; and f. one long strap attached at either end to the device, with a velcro point midway along the strap that is adapted to connect to a velcro attachment point on the device, such strap adapted to be used to slide the back of the device over and down the carrying handle of a child's roller-bag carry-on baggage for an airline flight.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a hand at the end of each arm, a male part of a clasp behind one hand, and a female part of a clasp behind the other hand, the clasp adapted for securely holding the arms together.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising elastic bands for attaching action figures.
 4. The device of claim 3, in which the elastic bands are replaced with dental floss.
 5. The device of claim 3, in which the elastic bands are replaced with string.
 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the backside of each hand contains a Velcro attachment area, adapted to hold the hands together to hide the clasp.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the device comprises a stuffed animal, and the smaller toys comprise stuffed animals.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the stuffed animal is a teddy bear.
 9. A multi-purpose display and storage device for toys, comprising a stuffed animal in the general shape of a pony, and further comprising: a. velcro attachment points for attaching multiple smaller stuffed animals; b. buttons on the device, with associated electronics inside the device, for recording and playing sounds and music; and c. straps on the back of the device, adapted for using the device as a kid's back pack, or for hanging the device on a wall hook or bedpost; wherein the length of the device is approximately equal to the width of a standard twin bed.
 10. A multi-purpose display and storage device for toys, comprising a wall hanging in the general shape of a circus tent, the device comprising a first part and a second part, both the first and second parts having their own separate means for hanging from a wall hook, and further comprising: a. multiple attachment means on the first part for attaching multiple toys; and b. curtains on the second part for both covering and revealing the toys.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the multiple attachment means are elastic bands.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the multiple attachment means are velcro straps.
 13. A multi-purpose display, carrier, and storage device for toys, having elastic bands adapted for attaching multiple smaller toys.
 14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a toy vehicle, wherein the multiple smaller toys are action figures.
 15. The device of claim 13, further comprising an action figure, wherein the multiple smaller toys are smaller action figures. 